Changing Conditions for Women in the Workforce

Monika Merz, President of Toys “R” Us, Asia Pacific, discusses changing conditions for women in the workforce at the ACCJ Chubu Diversity Summit in Nagoya, Japan.

As President, Toys “R” Us, Asia Pacific, Monika Merz oversees all operations and business activities for the company’s growing number of stores in Japan, Southeast Asia, Greater China and Australia.

Ms Merz joined the company in 1996 as Vice President and General Manager, Toys “R” Us, Canada. She served in this role until 2000, when she was promoted to President, Toys “R” Us, Canada. In this capacity, she introduced the company’s first integrated Side-by-Side store format, which combines Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores under one roof.

In November 2007, Ms Merz assumed leadership of Toys “R” Us, Japan, and in 2011, her role was expanded to include responsibility for the company’s stores in Australia. Later that year, it also included the company’s locations and corporate offices in Southeast Asia and Greater China. Prior to joining Toys “R” Us, she held various roles in merchandising, store operations, supply chain and marketing with several companies, including Hudson’s Bay Company and Costco.

Ms Merz serves as co-chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan’s (ACCJ) CEO Forum. In 2012, she was named “Leader of the Year” by the Chamber in recognition of her role as co-chair of Women in Leadership subcommittee, among other contributions.

Ms Merz was a Keynote Speaker at the ACCJ Chubu Diversity Summit in Nagoya, Japan. IAFOR Media helped manage and record the event and IAFOR is also very proud to have been a Gold Level Sponsor.

Posted by IAFOR